Chapter 43
。・:*:・゚★ Translated by Sienna 。・:*:・゚☆
When people lose interest in something, they turn to something else.
Something that doesn’t change the big picture but adds a twist to what’s already there.
“What I’m envisioning is a healing salon.”
“A healing salon?”
“Yes.”
A place where one can enjoy a quiet cup of tea with music playing in the background, as soothing as possible.
There would also be private rooms where people could relax, and if they wanted, they could be given a massage on their painful areas.
It’s essentially a healing cafe.
“In the founding myth of the Empire, the goddess symbolizes peace, and currently, His Highness the Crown Prince has participated in subduing demons.”
“…….”
“Even though one would believe His Highness the Crown Prince will emerge victorious, there is still a sense of unease.”
“So you plan to emphasize the Goddess of Peace as the main theme?”
“That’s right.”
Upon Luciel’s quick judgment, Daphne nodded her head.
Promoting it as a place that heals both the mind and body by emphasizing peace would be fitting for the founding myth, and it wouldn’t contradict the intentions of the royal family and the temple.
Moreover, given the oversaturation of salons, one more discreetly entering the scene wouldn’t draw much attention.
‘And one more thing.’
“If the salon operation is successful, I plan to expand the operation method and implement a membership system targeting our desired customers.”
“A membership system?”
Luciel asked with a puzzled expression.
“Yes. Um, you could call it personalized service.”
Everyone likes something special.
The satisfaction that comes from being treated more carefully than the standard service is significant.
But currently, personalized services are only available to wealthy customers.
Daphne aimed to target this market.
“If customers join the membership, instead of the usual light massage, we will provide personalized care by examining each part of the customer’s body. Of course, we will strictly protect personal information.”
“…….”
“And if customers are satisfied, that’s when I’ll recommend the medicines I’ve created—medicines that can remove toxins or reduce swelling in the body.”
“……And in the process, you’ll need my name, right?”
“Yes.”
Daphne nodded decisively.
Upon which, a smile crept onto Luciel’s face.
It wasn’t mockery, but admiration.
A familiar yet unique approach that ultimately worked to her advantage.
‘The salon was just a means to an end.’
She had a reason to be so confident.
‘But… has the lady ever started a business before?’
No, there was no record of her doing so.
However, her plan didn’t seem like the tentative confidence of a novice starting her first business.
“Well, I wanted to say…”
At that moment, Daphne cleared her throat softly. Her self-assured demeanor faded, replaced by a more cautious one.
“I think I might need Rose’s help before I start.”
“Yes, go on.”
In response to Luciel’s gentle inquiry, Daphne asked cautiously.
“I’ve heard that magic stones can contain a magician’s mana. So, there’s no limit to their size, right?”
“Yes. Of course, the user’s mana must be substantial enough.”
Luciel affirmed, then inquired,
“Are you in need of a magician?”
“Yes. I need a fire magician, to be exact.”
Fire, of all things?
What was Lady Peregrine planning to do with potentially dangerous fire mana?
Luciel looked puzzled.
“Moreover…”
At that moment, Daphne extended her index finger, adding another condition.
“I’d prefer someone with strong mana who can grow magic stones large enough to cover an entire bed.”
Magic stones on a bed?
Luciel wore a puzzled expression.
However, Daphne merely smiled meaningfully.
“I know a way to make the body feel refreshed just by lying down.”
It was what they called healing and therapy.
ੈ✩‧₊˚༺☆༻*ੈ✩‧₊˚
When it comes to therapy, what is the most important thing?
Some may say it’s the technique, while others may argue it’s the accompanying materials.
But my thoughts were different.
‘The most important thing is a comfortable and warm bed.’
However, in this world, the only way to warm up a bed was either to place warm stones on it or to have someone get into the bed first and cover it with blankets.
Even with these two methods, the warmth would fade away.
As a result, I had to wake up shivering every morning.
‘Ugh, I miss the electric blankets…….’
Sniffling, I suddenly had a thought.
‘If they don’t exist, why not make one?’
Surely, it would be a hit item if created.
Just lying down on a warm bed and taking a deep breath would instantly relieve fatigue.
Even high school students who came to the clinic reluctantly because of their mother’s insistence would fall into a deep sleep, snoring as if they had never complained before.
‘It was a struggle to wake them up.’
After waking up, they would feel embarrassed, but honestly, the fact that I had slept well couldn’t be denied.
I wanted to utilize this in my salon.
A quiet atmosphere and private rooms. A place where one could fall asleep quietly without anyone bothering them.
Providing personalized services tailored to the customer’s physical condition.
Most importantly, after a nap, all fatigue in the body would be gone.
People would feel embarrassed but quietly revisit, and they would start analyzing why they slept well.
‘Why do I sleep well only on this bed?’
The secret lies not in the bed itself but beneath it, on the floor.
Once someone tries an electric mat, they can never go back.
They will ask where it was purchased, and naturally, additional purchases will follow.
This was undoubtedly an item destined for success.
‘The problem is how to make it…….’
In the midst of pondering, I suddenly remembered Luciel.
‘Yeah. That person is a magician.’
I wonder if he can make all sorts of things with magic.
…and thus, using the excuse of the medicine, I requested Luciel’s help.
Of course, I wasn’t forcing a connection under the guise of fate.
‘If I’m going to do it, I need to do it seriously.’
I handed Luciel the business plan I had prepared in advance.
“This is…….”
“This is a plan I personally wrote. I’ve also written down the production methods I’ve thought of. If it’s okay with you, I’d like us to review it together.”
With a surprised look, Luciel slowly examined the proposal.
“There are two items I’d like to request: one is a magic tool that is thin but wide enough to be placed on a bed, and the other is multiple magic tools the size of a palm.”
These two would be a floor heater and a hot stone heater, respectively.
“But, milady.”
Luciel, who had been listening intently to my explanation, suddenly spoke up.
“To produce these magic tools, it will require quite a lot of money. Since the magic tower has independent authority, the mana of magicians is more expensive than that of other magicians.”
Luciel’s eyebrows lowered slightly in confusion.
It was a statement that there were more disadvantages than benefits from the magic tower master’s perspective.
There are many different types of magicians, but fire magicians are important in any field.
With such a high demand, the cost of labor would naturally be high.
Even if Luciel was the master of the magic tower, he would not be able to shoulder the entire burden of the cost.
It might seem like a regretful remark to make after agreeing to help, but it was a natural observation.
So, I calmly continued my explanation.
“The magic tools for beds will be useful in cold regions. If they are sold in the northern regions where it snows every day or in coastal areas with strong winds, they will bring in high profits.”
“…….”
“Also, this hot stone heater… In other words, these magic tools can be made to change size for detachable purposes. They can be attached to the body or placed on top of clothes.”
Then, even on cold days, you can walk around warmly, and nobles will come looking for them without having to wear thick clothes in midwinter.
“Or it could be made for use as a hand warmer.”
It meant that it could be used in various ways according to preference.
“Since it can be useful in daily life, it wouldn’t be a significant loss for the magic tower’s side.”
Furthermore…
“I’ll make a special agreement.”
I spoke with a clearer voice than before.
“Until the business stabilizes, I’ll only sell the medicine I gave you to Rose exclusively.”
“Exclusively?”
With that, Luciel’s tone of voice changed dramatically. It seemed like even his gaze flickered momentarily.
The offer must be tempting. I nodded and continued.
“Yes. I’ve been looking into potential sales outlets for this medicine. Although it’s not available in the market, given its effectiveness, it’s worth aiming for sales revenue.”
“…….”
“But if you help me, I’ll sell it exclusively to Rose.”
Luciel’s pupils deepened at my words.
Perhaps my attitude now seemed like a naive young lady recklessly charging in.
But I was confident in my success.
‘Of course, I don’t know if this will lead to a contract, but…’
As I anxiously waited for the response that would follow, Luciel’s expression softened.
Then, the words that came out of his red lips were…
“Yes. I’ll help you.”
It was a yes.
Unintentionally, I clenched my fist.
‘I was confident, but I don’t know what I would do if he refused.’
Ah, Luciel truly seemed like an angel, just as his name.
My face lit up again with joy, but I tried my best not to smile.
I didn’t want to frighten Luciel with my scary face when I smiled.
Smiling, Luciel looked at me and asked,
“But where are you planning to build the salon?”
“Ah, I think it should be in a province that’s famous for its sanatoriums, preferably with good air and water.”
The more healing properties the area has, the more people will visit the salon.
And for another reason, it reflected my intention to live as far away from the original story as possible.
“…Will Lady Peregrine be going down there as well?”
Luciel asked, his voice a little quieter.
For some reason, he seemed a bit nervous.